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Carole Mikita ReportingSupreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor and musician Michael Bolton both addressed nearly 2,000 women gathered at the Salt Palace Convention Center today. Senator Orrin and Mrs. Elaine Hatch created this idea of a conference about women's issues that is now in its 22nd year.
Justice O'Connor talked about her life and breaking down barriers and Michael Bolton addressed violence against women.
What many don't know about Michael Bolton is that there is another side to the high profile, Grammy award winning performer. In 1993 he created a foundation to help women and children who are victims of domestic violence. He's also testified in Congress for Senator Orrin Hatch and his support of the Violence Against Women Act which passed in 2005.
Michael Bolton: "I speak to women who have found a safe haven and have changed their lives; and their kids are ok now because there is a place, there is an alternative to the violence, so the hope is real."
Nearly 2,000 women of different philosophies and political persuasions get together each fall to talk about what concerns them, issues affecting families. One topic this year was embryonic stem cell research.
Senator Hatch says it has become one of the most successful women's conferences in the country.
Sen. Hatch: "It's put together by women on our women's advisory committee, from the left to the right, democrats, independents, republicans; some who love me, some who can tolerate me and some who hate me, but who really get together because they know what an important conference this is."
One of the country's most influential women, retired Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, told the audience she never gave up even after hearing the phrase 'we don't hire women'.
Stephanie Coleman, Utah Women's Conference: "Just her ability to be strong and independent and devoted and for us to hear that wisdom. That was exciting."
Alicia Coyne: "There's always a way, she said, ‘if you want it, you can get it.' That's why I admire her so much."
I would love to have brought you her comments but television cameras were not permitted to record her speech.
